As the weather warms up, Durham becomes a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its picturesque riverside walks, vibrant parks, and bustling city centre. But where can you enjoy a delicious meal while soaking up the sun and fresh air? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best places to eat outside in Durham, from riverside cafes to rooftop restaurants and everything in between.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Durham has a thriving food scene that caters to all tastes and budgets. From traditional pub grub to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy al fresco. So, grab a picnic blanket, don your sunglasses, and get ready to discover the best outdoor dining spots in Durham.
1. Riverside Cafes
The River Wear runs through the heart of Durham, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. Why not combine a leisurely stroll with a bite to eat at one of the many riverside cafes?
Here are some top recommendations:
- Olde Durhams – This riverside cafe serves up delicious breakfast and brunch options, including eggs benedict and avocado toast.
- The River Wear Cafe – Enjoy a cup of coffee or a light meal on the patio overlooking the river.
- Quayside Brasserie – This popular brasserie offers stunning views of the river and serves up tasty pub grub.
Each of these cafes offers a unique and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely breakfast or lunch.
2. Parks and Gardens
Durham has several beautiful parks and gardens that are perfect for a picnic or a leisurely walk. Here are some of the best spots to eat outside:
- Palace Green – This picturesque park is home to the stunning Durham Cathedral and offers plenty of picnic spots and benches.
- Elvet Riverside Park – This scenic park runs along the River Wear and offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Whitworth Park – This large park offers plenty of space for a picnic or a game of football.
Each of these parks and gardens offers a unique and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing meal or snack.
3. Rooftop Restaurants
For a more upscale outdoor dining experience, why not try one of Durham’s rooftop restaurants? (See Also: Where to Eat in Noosa? Top Local Secrets)
Here are some top recommendations:
- The Radisson Blu Hotel – This hotel’s rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of the city and serves up delicious international cuisine.
- The Durham Marriott Hotel – This hotel’s rooftop restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and serves up tasty pub grub.
- The Assembly Rooms – This historic building offers stunning views of the city and serves up delicious food and drink.
Each of these rooftop restaurants offers a unique and memorable dining experience, with stunning views of the city and delicious food to match.
4. Street Food and Markets
Durham has a thriving street food scene, with several markets and stalls offering a wide range of cuisines and dishes.
Here are some top recommendations:
- Durham Market – This bustling market offers a wide range of street food stalls, including traditional British fare and international cuisine.
- The Quayside Market – This market offers a range of street food stalls and live music, making it a great spot to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the atmosphere.
- The Durham Food Festival – This annual festival celebrates the best of Durham’s food scene, with a range of street food stalls and live music.
Each of these markets and stalls offers a unique and delicious dining experience, with a wide range of cuisines and dishes to try.
5. Picnic Spots
For a more low-key outdoor dining experience, why not try a picnic in one of Durham’s many parks and gardens?
Here are some top recommendations:
- Palace Green – This picturesque park is home to the stunning Durham Cathedral and offers plenty of picnic spots and benches.
- Elvet Riverside Park – This scenic park runs along the River Wear and offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Whitworth Park – This large park offers plenty of space for a picnic or a game of football.
Each of these parks and gardens offers a unique and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing meal or snack. (See Also: Where to Eat in Uptown Charlotte? Top Picks)
6. Outdoor Bars and Pubs
Durham has a thriving nightlife scene, with several outdoor bars and pubs offering a range of drinks and snacks.
Here are some top recommendations:
- The Old Fire Station – This popular bar offers a range of drinks and snacks, as well as live music and events.
- The Durham Brewery – This brewery offers a range of craft beers and delicious food, as well as a peaceful atmosphere.
- The Red House – This pub offers a range of drinks and snacks, as well as live music and events.
Each of these outdoor bars and pubs offers a unique and lively atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends.
Recap
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the best places to eat outside in Durham, from riverside cafes to rooftop restaurants and everything in between.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Durham has a thriving food scene that caters to all tastes and budgets. From traditional pub grub to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy al fresco.
We’ve highlighted some of the top recommendations for each category, including riverside cafes, parks and gardens, rooftop restaurants, street food and markets, picnic spots, and outdoor bars and pubs.
Each of these recommendations offers a unique and delicious dining experience, with a wide range of cuisines and dishes to try. (See Also: Where to Eat in Rome Cheap? Delicious Finds)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best places to eat outside in Durham?
A: The best places to eat outside in Durham include riverside cafes, parks and gardens, rooftop restaurants, street food and markets, picnic spots, and outdoor bars and pubs.
Q: What type of cuisine can I find in Durham?
A: Durham has a thriving food scene that caters to all tastes and budgets, with a wide range of cuisines and dishes to try, including traditional British fare, international cuisine, and street food.
Q: Are there any outdoor bars and pubs in Durham?
A: Yes, Durham has several outdoor bars and pubs that offer a range of drinks and snacks, as well as live music and events.
Q: Can I have a picnic in Durham?
A: Yes, Durham has several parks and gardens that are perfect for a picnic, including Palace Green, Elvet Riverside Park, and Whitworth Park.
Q: Are there any street food markets in Durham?
A: Yes, Durham has several street food markets, including Durham Market and The Quayside Market, which offer a wide range of street food stalls and live music.
